Rocco named starter!!

Mike Rocco has been named the starting quarterback for the Cavaliers opening game against Richmond.  Coach London made the announcement at his press conference yesterday and made it clear that Rocco was the starter based on performance.  This will be his 14th consecutive start.  Transfer Sims from Alabama will more than likely play and David Watford will redshirt.  It's only a few days away now and I'm getting more and more excited...GO HOOS!!!

UVA reports to Summer Camp

The 2012 Virginia Cavalier Football Team reported to camp yesterday looking to build off of last year's bounce back season.  Third year Coach Mike London has the rebuilding of the program right on schedule and Cavalier Nation is very optimistic for another bowl bound record. 

There should be two goals for this year's squad, one being a bowl game, and the second being a competitive game with that instituion in Blacksburg.  They need to be hungry and focused, nobody will overlook them this year based on what they did last year.  I want the Commonwealth Cup back where it belongs...at THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA!!!  Meet the Team day is August 19th...GO HOOS!!!

We are getting soo close...

I just got an email from my fantasy football league commissioner letting me know the league was up and ready to go...just another reminder that the most wonderful sports time of the year is just around the corner...DO YOU LOVE FOOTBALL???!!! :)

PSU...

Your President dropped the ball, your athletic director dropped the ball, your head coach dropped the ball...everyone in power at your University dropped the ball.  Whatever happens from this point forward, please make sure you never drop the damn ball again...EVER!!!  "We are Penn State" used to be what you were known for...if you ever want to be known for that again you better clean up your act and take your medicine!

And oh yeah, we can't wait to kick your ass in Charlottesville on September 8th!!! GO HOOS!!

Roger Federer...World Number 1 once again!

Roger Federer won his 7th Wimbledon Title yesterday and his record 17th Major Title overall.  He is entering the twilight of his career, a time when skills diminish ever so slightly and father time robs us of a step or two.  He is now ranked #1 in the world again, a heck of an achievement for a 31 year old in the world of tennis.  The last time a man was ranked number 1 after the age of 30 was during the legendary run in the early 2000's by the great Andre Agassi!

This title was extra special for Roger as it was the first time his twin girls were old enough to see and understand that daddy won the big match!  I salute a great man, a great champion, and fellow over 30 representative showing that athletic prowess doesn't end in the 20's.  He now sets his sights on the US Open...and I wouldn't bet against him!

Tennis on Independence Day!

My Father and I have played tennis for a couple of decades now and we try to play at least once a week.  Today we continued our rivalry at Thrasher Park at 9am to beat the heat.  It was an excellent workout and my dad made me work for every point.  He also pulled his usual trash talk and had me laughing so hard I lost a point or two along the way.

My son Sydney now joins us for our epic battles; he usually goes with Dionne over to the swings after chasing the ball for a few minutes.  He is so wonderful, such a little delight in every possible way.  My Father loves to watch him run, see his focus and determination and his love of sports.  I was so thankful today to watch the two of them interact.  My Father is a wonderful man who has always had a soft spot for children and always shown me unconditional love.  I have that same love and affection for my son and it's roots are seeded in the way I was raised.

I encourage everyone to take a little time this evening at the family or neighborhood cookout to express your love to those who mean so much to you.  Be thankful for what you have and help out all those who are less fortunate than you.  Remember that it truly is the little things like those moments on the tennis court that stay with you and capture those moments when you can.

Youth Athletics...and Parents

I coached a girl's youth basketball team a few years back and I must say we were really good.  As a matter of fact we went undefeated...not that we were keeping score...wink wink!  I really enjoyed getting to know the young athletes; they were easy to coach and really mastered the fundamentals.  We moved the ball on offense always hitting the open player.  On defense we swarmed the point guard and created massive turnovers.  There was only one aspect of youth athletics I didn't enjoy...the parents!

The parents of at least half of all youth athletes are living vicariously through them!  They are willing to put them on travel teams, drive all over the place, and pay top dollar for private coaching.  Paying for coaching for children...with no guarantee of success.  If you're lucky they will make their high school squad.  Parents are aiming for that ever elusive college scholarship.

I understand investing in your children and wanting them to be successful.  I understand getting coaching and hoping that it all pays off in some monetary way down the road.  But I really hope that these parents take the child's wants into consideration.  This isn't about your frustrated youth sports career; it's about your child...having fun and enjoying the sport they love.  Don't forget that!!